Horowhenua StarShannon farmer Geoff Kane was inducted into the business hall of fame at the Electra Kāpiti and Horowhenua Business and Innovation Awards last week.
Geoff Kane at the awards ceremony. Captured By Friday Photography
He and Māoriland Film Festival founder Libby Hakaraia, of Ōtaki, were given the honour at the awards ceremony at Southwards Car Museum in Paraparaumu.
Geoff says he’s proud to have been included.
“It is great recognition of both community and farm involvement and it has been great to be able to help so many other other organisations and people over the years. The previous inductees have been mentors to us and it’s nice to get a pat on the back for doing good in your community.”
Geoff has had more than 50 years in farming, beginning in 1973 when he was straight out of Massey University.
He started as a farm manager in Tokomaru, went sharemilking in Ōtaki, and then, with wife Cynthia, bought a farm in Shannon, borrowing 100 percent to make it happen.
Geoff and Cynthia had their fair share of tough years along with the good ones. Through determination, entrepreneurial thinking, and plenty of off- farm work, they not only survived, but thrived.
One of Geoff’s early highlights was winning the Skellerup Young Farmer of the Year competition. The prizes, including vital farm equipment, came at just the right time and helped them keep the farm running during one of the toughest economic periods farmers had faced.
He has been involved with Federated Farmers and Rural Support for much of his career. He’s also helped several young families take their first steps into farm ownership.
Geoff has been active in his community at many levels, from school committees, scouts, and church in Shannon, to fundraising for the Shannon skate park – he’s always been someone who rolls up his sleeves and gets involved.
He joined the Levin Rotary Club in 1983, where he contributed to countless local and international projects. He played a key role in reviving the Waitārere Surf Life Saving Club, worked with council to create the Queen Street Walkway and most recently the Farm Track.
In 2005, Rotary recognised his service by awarding him a Paul Harris Fellowship for his work supporting farmers during the 2004 floods.
After losing their son to cancer in 2012, Geoff and Cynthia channelled their energy into supporting the Cancer Society, running the Shannon Daffodil Day each year and fundraising tirelessly for cancer support.
They sold their Levin farm in 2019 to Horizons Regional Council, helping create a wetland to improve Lake Horowhenua’s water quality. And today, Geoff continues to farm in Shannon and serves as president and volunteer at Riding for the Disabled.
The overall Business of the Year Award went to The Bond Store. Some Horowhenua businesses to feature among award winners were Nation Beauty Ltd, Ōhau Gourmet Mushrooms, Levin Repair Café and Levin Top 10 Holiday Park.
The 2025 Electra Business & Innovation Award winners:
Electra Business of the Year – The Bond Store
Construction & Trades – Elite Diagnostics Ltd
Manufacturing, Production & Processing – The Bond Store
Hospitality, Entertainment & Tourism – Kapiti Island Nature Tours
Professional & Business Services and/or Technology – Pipi Learning Ltd
Not for Profit, Community & Public Services – Work Ready Kāpiti
Retail – Seriously Pickled Catering Kitchen & Deli
Consumer Services – Nation Beauty NZ
Small Business – Elite Diagnostics Ltd
New/Emerging Business – Roses Chilli Crisp
Innovation – Elite Diagnostics Ltd
Sustainability – Ōhau Gourmet Mushrooms
Highly Commended
Heart of the Community – Levin Repair Café
Customer Experience Horowhenua – Levin Top 10 Holiday Park
Customer Experience Kāpiti – Relish Café and Catering.
OTHER STORIES
... loading ...
